Neurologic disease in biopsy-proven giant cell (temporal) arteritis

Neurology. 1988 Mar;38(3):352-9. doi: 10.1212/wnl.38.3.352.

Abstract

Neurologic findings were studied in 166 consecutive patients with biopsy-proven giant cell (temporal) arteritis. Neurologic problems occurred in 51 patients (31%): neuropathies (23), TIA/strokes (12), neuro-otologic syndromes (11), tremor (6), neuropsychiatric syndromes (5), tongue numbness (3), and myelopathy (1). Neuro-ophthalmologic problems occurred in 35 patients (21%): amaurosis fugax (AF) (17), permanent vision loss (PVL) (14), scintillating scotoma (8), and diplopia (3). Abnormalities in large arteries in 52 patients (31%) included bruits and diminished pulses. The carotid artery was involved in 31 patients (bilateral in 58%). Overall, 35% of patients with carotid disease had TIA/stroke, AF, or PVL.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Biopsy
  • Cerebrovascular Disorders / complications
  • Depressive Disorder / complications
  • Ear Diseases / complications
  • Eye Diseases / complications
  • Female
  • Giant Cell Arteritis / complications*
  • Giant Cell Arteritis / pathology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Muscular Diseases / complications
  • Nervous System Diseases / complications*
  • Sensation
  • Tongue / innervation
  • Tremor / complications